Makeup is a personal choice. Some like it loud while others like it subtle. Some people may be fans of shimmer, while others may simply prefer it tinted. However, says celebrity makeup expert Daniel Bauer, there’s one makeup mistake that almost all of us are making, and we should stop making it immediately.
The man behind Katrina Kaif’s signature smokey eyes and Priyanka Chopra’s bold, statement looks tells HT Shop Now that, in his two decades of experience, he has seen a lot of makeup trends come and go.
“From the glossy pages of fashion magazines to today’s fast-paced, social media-driven trends, the world of makeup has undergone a remarkable change”, he says.
In a candid conversation with HT Shop Now, she reflected on the changing face of makeup, the challenges she faced along the way, the looks that are closest to her heart and the makeup mistakes we’ve all been making for ages.
Q: You have been in the makeup industry for a long time. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the beauty industry since you started?
Daniel Bauer: As a young makeup artist in Germany in the mid-1990s, I remember long queues outside stores to buy the latest Vogue and Elle editions. These magazines were the only source of news on what was happening in the global fashion world. Today, with 24-hour access in real time, this new generation of artists are no longer just local artists, but global artists. The use of social media has increased the reach of every artist and brought the global artist community closer together. We are no longer influenced only by what we see in our local pop culture, magazines, and TV shows, but also by what is happening globally. This is the most extraordinary and inspiring transformation I have seen. Artists today are as fully engaged with Korean beauty as they are with street style in South Delhi. Social media has removed walls and united the global artist community.
Q: In the past, you have talked about the challenges you faced as an outsider in Bollywood. How have times changed since then? Is the industry more welcoming to foreign talent?
Daniel Bauer: When I came to India about 20 years ago, there were not many people around me who had not been working in the industry for a long time. I tried to fit in, but I didn’t want my work, or the principles I believed in, to just “fit in.” Instead, I did what I felt was right and it led to change in the industry, a change that was ultimately positive. In my early years, I would often shoot two or three celebrity magazine covers a week. I was constantly experimenting, and the editorial teams and actresses gave me the freedom to explore different looks. I think I bring a different perspective to the makeup industry. At the time, it was viewed with some curiosity and concern, but that was then. Now, the industry has changed. People want the best work, and it matters little whether the artist is local or foreign. Good work speaks for itself.
Q: Have you created a makeup look that feels like a real turning point in your career? what was it and why
Daniel Bauer: There was a look I created which was actually a turning point in my career in India. Legendary actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was performing professionally for the first time after the birth of her daughter. We went to Canada for the TOIFA Awards, and that was the moment I completely realized that Bollywood is a global platform.
I created this incredible eye look on Aishwarya using Lacroix crystals that I had kept from a fashion week in Paris (this was long before Euphoria). The media buzz was intense and suddenly, my work started being discussed on news channels. From there, some of the most incredible moments of my career began to happen.
Whenever I worked with Aishwarya, it was a privilege. And when you work with a global icon like him, you need to make it better every time.
Question: What is that understated makeup technique that instantly lifts a look but most people ignore?
Daniel Bauer: Blush is the secret weapon that instantly brightens your look. But make sure to blush twice to make it work. I would suggest applying cream blush with your foundation and then applying powder on top.
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Q: Do you think there is a product that people abuse the most that everyone needs to apply differently?
Daniel Bauer: What you put on your face is your business. What you do with your makeup should be your choice. I say, never let anyone tell you what you should and shouldn’t do with your makeup. If you like it and it works for you, go for it every time.
Q: How do you make sure a celebrity’s makeup looks fresh after hours of events, glitz and humidity?
Daniel Bauer: Stay in air conditioning, and if it’s outside, keep it natural. You can’t win by fighting the weather!
Q: Are there any makeup products you think should get more attention? Something you wish people used more often?
Daniel Bauer: Most Indian consumers use shampoo but do not apply conditioner and the same is the case with makeup. People use foundation, but not moisturizer, concealer or corrector. As artists, we rely on these products every day because they’re vital to how makeup looks, lasts, and lasts. Add them to your kit, and it will really change the way you do your makeup and look at yourself. These are not optional extras. They are necessary.
Why: Which product category has evolved the most in recent years, with innovations in formula?
Daniel Bauer: I don’t think we’ve seen any wave of groundbreaking new formulas recently. But what has evolved in a big way is the quality of brands entering the market. We now have incredible pricing, thoughtful formulations and color ranges that truly reflect the entire Indian skin-tone rainbow. Brands like K Beauty have been real consumer champions. They create products that work beautifully for everyone, not just for a select few. And honestly, that kind of inclusivity and accessibility is the real innovation our industry needs.
Q: How do you evaluate whether a product is really high-performing or over-hyped?
Daniel Bauer: There are no rules in makeup and break them if you feel like it. If something works for you, I say every time, go for it. The hype may have led you to believe that the best is the premium brand, but experience may tell you otherwise.
Q: What’s your secret to making foundation look like skin, not makeup? How do you create long-lasting base makeup that doesn’t look flattering on camera?
Daniel Bauer: Cakey makeup isn’t about using too much product. It’s just about using the wrong product combinations. The most natural, “skin-like” makeup you see on camera often involves using a lot of product, but it’s applied deftly. Think about a lava lamp: oil and water never mix. It’s the same with makeup. Oil-based, water-based, and silicone-based products do not mix well with each other. When you layer mismatched formulas, they tend to separate, stick, and become cakey in studio lighting. For a smooth, long-lasting base, keep all your products in the same family, ideally all silicone-based, for the most seamless, durable finish on camera. There are no magic tricks, just smart product pairing and good technology.
Q: What is the most common mistake people make with concealer?
Daniel Bauer: I think if you’re making any mistakes when using concealer, you’re already winning. Most people use foundation, no moisturizer, no primer, no concealer, no corrector and wonder why it doesn’t look good. If you’re using concealer even incorrectly, you’re already in the exclusive club. Conceal what needs concealing and make sure the concealer is the same brand you use for foundation and corrector. So here’s the rule: If your foundation is water-based, oil-based, or silicone-based, your concealer and corrector better be too. Mixture of water, oil and silicone? This isn’t artistry, this is waiting to be broken. Keep your core products in the same family or be prepared for drama.
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